Obituaries

Paul M. Finnerty

Paul M. Finnerty, 84, of Bradenton, died Feb. 3.

Born in Montclair, N.J., Mr. Finnerty came to Bradenton from Springfield, Va., in 1985. He was a graduate of Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., with a bachelor’s degree in administration. He served with the U.S. Army Air Corps 3rd Reconnaissance Squadron during World War II as a B-17 and B-29 pilot. Following his military tour of duty, he was as a pilot with U.S. Airways for 29 years. He was a member of the Ss. Peter & Paul The Apostles Catholic Church, Bradenton, where he served as an usher. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and Past Faithful Navigator with the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Air Force Association and the Kirby Stewart American Legion Post No. 24 in Bradenton.

Visitation was Feb. 6, Mass Feb. 7, and committal services with full military honors Feb. 9. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 58 Progress Pkwy., St. Louis MO 63043-3706. Shannon Funeral Home, Westview Chapel, Bradenton, was in charge of arrangements. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary; sons Brian Sr. and wife Madeleine of Kernersville, N.C., and Michael and wife Linda of Springfield; daughters Maureen Shuman and husband William of Holmes Beach, Diane Drinkard and husband Gerard of Springfield; brother John and wife Anna of Bradenton; and grandchildren Brian Jr., Matthew, Megan, Andrew and Danielle.

Ralph D. Thobe

Ralph D. Thobe, 84, of Bradenton Beach, died Feb. 2.

Born in Oxford, Ohio, Mr. Thobe moved to Bradenton Beach in 1963. He was a 20-year U.S. Air Force retiree. He was a postal carrier for 15 years.